The closing date for the next round of funding for Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund is 22nd September 2017. Funding is available for local constituted community groups, registered charities and social enterprises for environmental or social projects and activities.

For more information and application forms, see the grants page. You can also call 01542 888070 or email info@reapscotland.org.uk for more information or an informal chat before applying. Paper copies are also available at the office or can be posted out on request.

Would you and the bairns like to make a super-quick and easy DIY solar oven – which uses only the power of the sun to heat food? What about taking part in other fun crafting activities relating to home energy use, whilst having a blether about how to save cash on your fuel bills?

There will be a marquee to keep dry just in case it isn’t a scorching day. Just drop in whenever – no need to book. It’s all free!

These sessions are part of REAP’s Community Energy Champions project; this also includes putting on free training to up-skill people in being more savvy about their home energy use, so they can pass their knowledge on to family, friends and neighbours. We’re now on the look-out for budding Energy Champions too – could it be you?

For further information about the event or our project please contact the REAP team on info@reapscotland.org.uk or 01542 888071.

A great chance to come along and learn or develop your gardening skills and its FREE!!
2 Part course, Wednesday 23rd August 5.30pm-7pm & Wednesday 30th August 5.30pm-7pm at Garden Share, Elgin.
This course has a limited number of places.
To book a place please email info@reapscotland.org.uk or call our office 01542 888070.

REAP are recruiting for 3 Part- time Energy Advice Worker posts to work as part of the energy advice team at REAP, tackling fuel poverty and working in communities across Moray. “We are looking forward to recruiting new team members to help tackle fuel poverty in Moray”, said Ann Davidson, REAP Manager. “One Energy Advice Worker will join other REAP staff working on Energy Benefits Moray, our Comic Relief funded project, delivering energy and benefits advice, energy awareness and home visits. The Energy Champions Community Worker will deliver energy advice and training in a new project based in communities and groups across Moray to make links and train up local volunteers. Then there is a sessional post with variable hours for a trained worker to help on home visits and other project activities. We are looking for people already trained in energy advice (through the City and Guilds Energy Advice training) who would like to get involved in these worthwhile projects”

Job applications and job descriptions for all the posts are available on the downloads section of the REAP website under ‘jobs’ until the closing date of 18th May 2017.

REAP have just published a new report into therapeutic gardening in Moray, funded by the Moray Integrated Care Fund Small Grants. Looking at research findings from organisations such as Trellis and others, it collates desk top research on the benefits of this type of growing activity, some of the barriers to expansion, and some suggestions for overcoming them, plus the operating framework in Moray. Primary research is presented from work with local organisations and individuals, and highlights case studies and good practice locally, with suggestions for accessing funding to make ideas a reality.

“We hope this report will give a good start to the many groups we spoke to who are hoping to expand this type of activity in Moray”, said REAP Manager Ann Davidson. “There is no doubt that this is a growing area (excuse the pun!) with many organisations realising the benefits therapeutic gardening can bring to people they work with, and wanting to expand their services. We hope this report will help that process”.